2025 Women’s Retreat
to Replenish & Restore
Spend a transformative weekend in the beautiful Simi Valley with TIOH women of all ages.
The deadline to register is Friday, February 14.
March 21 – 23*
Brandeis Bardin Campus, Simi Valley
*NEW Saturday day-passes available!
Activities include:
- Yoga
- Sound baths
- Nature walks
- Delicious food
Register Now
Please note that this year we will only be able to house 60 women (for the whole weekend) in only doubles or triples. However, everyone else will be able to buy a day pass! The deadline to register is Friday, February 14.
What Attendees of Previous Women’s Retreats Have to Say…
“The Women’s Retreat is one way I’ve built my TIOH community. I have real conversations with women I see at services or pass in the hallway. I reconnect with women I knew when my kids were small. I meet women in different life phases. Together, we develop compassion for each other as we learn about each other’s life experiences.“
Cherie McDermott
“We had been TIOH members for over 30 years when I attended my first TIOH Women’s Retreat 2 years ago. I was hesitant. I was grieving my husband’s death. Everyone was warm and welcoming. The 2 days were masterfully choreographed to embrace newcomers and make everyone feel welcome. There was a mix of learning, reflection, creative self expression, group interaction, hiking, singing and dancing. I saw people I hadn’t seen in decades. The weekend triggered tears, opened my heart and refreshed my soul. I returned the next year, happy to see warm, familiar faces, rekindle and strengthen connections, and make new ones.”
Annie Baker
“Last year at the Women’s Retreat, I engaged in meaningful conversations with women from our congregation whom I had never connected with before. The support and openness of the participants during Torah study and prayer made newcomers feel welcomed and at ease. The Women’s Retreat truly captures the spirit of our community and deepened my appreciation of the women within it.”
Hayley Dox-DaCosta
“I look forward to the retreat every year! If you want to meet more of the fabulous women in our community and build your connections in a place where you can disconnect from your usual weekend whirlwind you have to join us. The best parts? The music, the hiking, the yoga, the kibbitzing and the praying are all the best parts. Also, even if you don’t “know anyone going” you have to come – you will have the best time.”
Mindy Tankel
“TIOH friends urged me repeatedly to attend a Women’s Retreat but I always balked – Nooo; not another commitment. Too exhausted and spent from work, days “working” a social thing was unwanted added stress.
When I finally cut the cord to retire and embrace new chapters of opportunity, I relented. Apprehensively, off I went to my first Retreat. I parked, dropped my bag in my spare little cabin, looked around at cypress trees, munched a welcome apple and cookies, and wandered toward our first session: Shabbat.
As the joke goes, What was your First? I think I had My First Shabbat that weekend. Really.
As the sun fell behind tree tops, we gathered in the semi-light of a room off the dining hall, sitting and standing around the center table. Votive candles filled the table, ready for each of us to light. Shabbat candles stood tall. Kiddush cup was poured. Rabbi Michelle, laughing and joyous and casual in her blue jean overalls, was at the ready with hugs. Shelly strummed and softly sang. Spiritually, ever so soothing, a sweet soft viola lightly filled the room. Almost immediately an intimacy and trust tugged us, hugged us gently. It all felt safe. Home.
We sang, nestled shoulder to shoulder with our arms around each other. Congregants of all ages, we were a group of friends and only acquaintances. For me it was all new to embrace so many – all women! – with such a pang, such a meaningful Shabbat Shalom! That night remains a cherished sweet memory, lingering in all the ensuing years of every Retreat.
Ricka Fisher